Roxburgh TC – Thursday 4 January
The annual meeting at Roxburgh will be highly anticipated for locals. And they’ll notice a new appearance of the track this year.
After recently being resurfaced, Geoff Knight of the Roxburgh Trotting Club has described the track as being beautiful to work on, and when watered produces a beautiful cushion to drive on.
“We had a heap of volunteers help us get the track ready. We took about 15 years’ worth of crusher dust off of it, and put on 300 cubic metres of the sand surface that is on Addington and Forbury tracks,” Knight said. “John Denton has given it the thumbs up following a recent inspection.”
Commentator, Dave McDonald, has hand crafted a unique and stunning mailbox out of Central Otago schist to be auctioned off on race day at the Roxburgh race meeting. A talented model maker in his spare time, he wanted to give back to the industry.
“I really wanted to do something that reflects Central Otago, and I’m quite proud of the way the letterbox turned out. It’s only the second one I have made like this and I’m happy that I can support the club in this way,” McDonald said.
Cambridge Waikato Flying Mile Night – Friday 5 January
Waikato Bay of Plenty Harness will host two Group race features this Friday evening at Cambridge Raceway.
The Waikato Flying Mile and Trotters Flying Stakes will be part of a guaranteed $25,000 Pick Six, starting on Race 6.
Heaven Rocks will back up in the feature pace following his third placing in the Auckland Cup on New Year’s Eve. He will meet seven rivals including former Jewels winner, Jack’s Legend.
Oncourse patrons will also be able to witness dual Group One winner, Temporale, in action in the Trotters Flying Stakes. He’ll take on a field with depth, including Aussie visitor Kyvalley Blur, and last season’s Australian Trotting Mare of the Year – Sunny Ruby.
Coinciding with the Waikato Greyhound Racing Club, the dual code meeting also offers plenty of racing entertainment, and the Alfresco Bites Food Truck market will be oncourse with food for every mood.
The first race is 5.06pm. Entry to the course is free.
Timaru HRC – Friday 5 January
Port FM Family Fun Day. With the first race scheduled for 2.33pm, the Timaru Harness Racing club is focusing on the family entertainment for racegoers.
Club President, Liz Shand, reports that there will be a heap of activities for families providing a perfect Friday afternoon for everyone.
“We’ve got kid’s running races, sack races, winning number competitions, lolly scrambles and a bouncy castle. Also our unique contests – hidden lucky horse shoes, and the treasure in a hay bale contest.”
For the racing purist, there are ten competitive races carded, plenty of refreshments and food available, and entry to the course is free.
Wyndham HRC at Cromwell – Saturday 6 January
The final day of the Central Otago holiday circuit, the Cromwell and Districts meeting will be held on the grass at Cromwell Racecourse.
It features the 2018 Pure Pac Cherries Cromwell Businesses Cup, which is a part of the Southern Country Cups series.
On course entertainment includes: Picnic Racing Fashion In The Field; Best Dressed lady, man, couple, boy, girl, under 7. Best Hat/fascinator, Abs For The Lads Competition, Best Car Park Picnic Competition, More FM Kids Go Racing Area, free mini jeep rides, kids running race (mobile start), losing ticket draw for mobile rides, Punters Club.
Rangiora HRC – Sunday 7 January
If you’re seeking the best way to see out your summer holiday, then the Rangiora Harness Racing Club’s meeting this Sunday is the perfect event.
With free entry, the meeting is a great place for a picnic with family and friends. Or indulge in the oncourse food and beverage options.
Competitive grass track harness racing will entertain all, with the action up close and personal with a live MC to keep you informed and entertained.
Hawera HRC – Sunday 7 January
The Farmlands Family Fun day will be exactly that this Sunday at Hawera Racecourse.
Again the perfect option to see out the summer holidays, with relaxed grass track atmosphere. And entry to the course is free.
“The event is aimed at those wanting to enjoy a picnic atmosphere, and we encourage families to come along and enjoy the day,” said President, Brendan Towers. “We have two manned bouncy castles, for different ages of children, and also the Taranaki Kidz Kartz will be holding races on the course too.”
An entrée to the Hawera Easter meeting, the fields are set to be competitive and provide good wagering options for punters.
Reminder
A reminder, packages are selling quickly for the Summer Festival meeting at Banks Peninsula on January 28. Book early and avoid missing out. Find out more at https://www.theraces.co.nz/event/interislander-summer-festival-motukarara-trots-2
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
Driving The Future Of Harness Racing
